Ding Dong the Rash is back!
Which old rash?
The itchy rash!
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| "I am not rashy, I am naturally red" |
This Astonishing Secrets blog is about itchy rashes (well, any rash really, whether it is itchy or not)
and.... any rash on your pet of course.
Astonishing Secrets is all about the things you can do to make your pet more comfortable before you can arrange a vet visit to get that rash properly sorted.
and.... any rash on your pet of course.
Astonishing Secrets is all about the things you can do to make your pet more comfortable before you can arrange a vet visit to get that rash properly sorted.
Strange, but true, but most vets have received calls from upset owners because their beloved pet is constantly licking, slurping, rubbing their back on the brick wall, or otherwise acting in a way that is annoying everyone, and that means no one is getting any sleep. That is, we do know what you are going through, and we do want to help.
And some pets show irritated skin in ways that even surprise me.. a few weeks ago, I saw a 12 year old dog come in because her back leg was twitching when brushed. That was it.
And when I saw what the pet was doing, this poor girl was just exhibiting the normal itch response with the
back leg moving as if to scratch. A typical sign of an itchy pet.
And some pets show irritated skin in ways that even surprise me.. a few weeks ago, I saw a 12 year old dog come in because her back leg was twitching when brushed. That was it.
And when I saw what the pet was doing, this poor girl was just exhibiting the normal itch response with the
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| "Just there, that's the spot" |
As a vet, who sees itchy dogs and cats almost daily, I feel your pain, every vet does.
What are some things you can do to make your pet more comfortable before you get him into a vet? (And please, take your itchy pet to see a vet so a proper diagnosis can be made, a treatment plan started, and, well, your pet back to normal, and not singing songs from the Wizard of Oz.)
One of the most important steps you have to take, is to understand that fleas and insects cause 70% of the problems in itchy pets, and that is one of the first steps you need to take.
Things to collect or have on board or be prepared to get:
- Quality Flea Control
- Antihistamines
- Safflower Oil or Omega 3/6 supplements
- Sensitive Skin Diet
- Vinegar (white vinegar)
- Cortisone cream
- Alpha - Keri Oil (dogs only)
- Antifungal/Antibacterial shampoo
Now you may or may not need every item on the above list, so before you go start collecting, starting thinking about your pet really needs.
Now there are some things that, for me, are unconditional - this is quality flea control.
If I have an itchy pet, I don't care whether you can or cannot see fleas, you need to treat for these little
creepy crawlies.... and it is not up for debate.
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| Fleas are so ugly, they have a face only their mothers could love. |
I prefer to use Bayer Advantage each 2 weeks for 4 doses, then monthly. This is suitable for both dogs and cats. For cats, well, I would use the flea treatment fortnightly throughout the spring/summer months switching back to monthly for the autumn & winter. (I receive no commission for stating this, and these products are widely available). In dogs, the alternative is Comfortis tablet monthly.
Antihistamines may or may not help, but they usually do not hurt. The ones that I usually start with is phenergan, Polaramine and Claratyne. For more information, my website has more information.
Omega 3/6 supplements may help, and this is where quality does matter - if you are going to use these supplements, then you need to buy a higher quality brand.
A sensitive skin diet are very common now, as itchy pets are very common. There are alot of brands available, and, to be honest - ask your vet. They know which one they find works best for them.
Vinegar - yes - vinegar. White vinegar, if diluted 50:50 with cool boiled water is ideal to soak itchy feet in, as well as to wipe out ears to keep them clean. An old remedy, but a goodie.
Cortisone cream is very helpful in the longer term management of itchy skin. If your pet is getting itchy rashes that keep on coming back, then let's face it, it is never going to go away, unless you find out what is making your pet itchy, and avoiding it. Now, there are some over the counter human ones which you can use but you need to be careful in cats, so always check with your vet first. The better ones though are available from your vet directly, and that is why a vet check up is always necessary.
Now, as a vet, I often see dog's who are overwashed. Fortunately, overwashed cats are not a common Alpha-keri-oil is an absolute god send, even if it does make some dog seem like they belong in the 1930's with their greasy look. But if it is not itchy, then a temporary greasy look is worth it, don't you agree? How often to use it? I would start with once a week and go from there.
feature (can you think of a good reason why?). What can be done for these overwashed, very dry, very elephant skin type dogs? I am a big fan of conditioning rinses for dogs.
Now that I have complained about overwashing, I am going to talk about washing your pet. Now pet shampoos fall into several categories. I don't make shampoos, and I am not going to do any shampoo bashing either. I can only talk about the shampoos which I have used in my itchy pets, and what actually helps them.
Need some specific information on shampoos? It's all here.
Recurring rashes in our dogs and cats have a reason, and your vet should be your first person that you ask for help. Really, you shouldn't be reading this, you should be in your vets consultation room, getting them to work for you, to make a diagnosis on your pet's skin problem, and then a treatment plan on how to manage it.
But if you are expecting a cure for a recurring rash, to be honest, most times it doesn't happen. Sometimes it does, but only if we are lucky in nailing what caused it in the first place (for example, if the dog is allergic to chicken, then avoiding all chicken foods, or if they are allergic to fleas, keeping them on fortnightly flea control).
As a vet who sees itchy dogs (and cats) regularly, I do feel your frustration when "the rash is
back", but I always work hard to
Antihistamines may or may not help, but they usually do not hurt. The ones that I usually start with is phenergan, Polaramine and Claratyne. For more information, my website has more information.
Omega 3/6 supplements may help, and this is where quality does matter - if you are going to use these supplements, then you need to buy a higher quality brand.
A sensitive skin diet are very common now, as itchy pets are very common. There are alot of brands available, and, to be honest - ask your vet. They know which one they find works best for them.
Vinegar - yes - vinegar. White vinegar, if diluted 50:50 with cool boiled water is ideal to soak itchy feet in, as well as to wipe out ears to keep them clean. An old remedy, but a goodie.
Cortisone cream is very helpful in the longer term management of itchy skin. If your pet is getting itchy rashes that keep on coming back, then let's face it, it is never going to go away, unless you find out what is making your pet itchy, and avoiding it. Now, there are some over the counter human ones which you can use but you need to be careful in cats, so always check with your vet first. The better ones though are available from your vet directly, and that is why a vet check up is always necessary.
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| The right shampoo choice is not as easy as using what works for someone else. Your vet nurse can help you choose the right shampoo for your pet. |
feature (can you think of a good reason why?). What can be done for these overwashed, very dry, very elephant skin type dogs? I am a big fan of conditioning rinses for dogs.
Now that I have complained about overwashing, I am going to talk about washing your pet. Now pet shampoos fall into several categories. I don't make shampoos, and I am not going to do any shampoo bashing either. I can only talk about the shampoos which I have used in my itchy pets, and what actually helps them.
Need some specific information on shampoos? It's all here.
Recurring rashes in our dogs and cats have a reason, and your vet should be your first person that you ask for help. Really, you shouldn't be reading this, you should be in your vets consultation room, getting them to work for you, to make a diagnosis on your pet's skin problem, and then a treatment plan on how to manage it.But if you are expecting a cure for a recurring rash, to be honest, most times it doesn't happen. Sometimes it does, but only if we are lucky in nailing what caused it in the first place (for example, if the dog is allergic to chicken, then avoiding all chicken foods, or if they are allergic to fleas, keeping them on fortnightly flea control).
As a vet who sees itchy dogs (and cats) regularly, I do feel your frustration when "the rash is
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| Your vet is your pet's best friend (next to you). Geez, I love my job! |
- perform a complete examination, then
- perform a complete skin examination (plus any tests that may be needed), then
- discuss with you what treatment options are available, or
- discuss with you further diagnostic tests to better identify the cause of the recurring problem.
I hope I have helped you and your pet, and given you a bit of an understanding on how to better manage your itchy pet. Make your vet work... let them help you and your pet, as after all, we can only be as good as you let us be.
Important disclaimer: This is about things that YOU can do to keep your pet comfortable BEFORE you can get to see a vet, it is not about avoiding the vet altogether. The reason is that, as a vet, we have access to alot of knowledge on diseases, and diagnostic tests, aswell as a knowledge of what medications are available, that can help your pet. Yes, it may involve drugs, but if your pet needs them, then they need them.
